CDP 2025 A List Shows How Environmental Disclosure Is Becoming Mainstream

Takeaways

• Demand for environmental disclosure is rising sharply as investors and buyers treat data as essential to risk management and capital allocation.
• Asia and Europe are emerging as leaders in CDP’s 2025 A List, reflecting strong policy and market ecosystems.
• Climate, water, and forest disclosures are increasingly viewed as interconnected business and financial risks.

The release of the 2025 A List by CDP highlights growing demand from both capital markets and governments for consistent, high-quality environmental disclosure. The findings point to a shift in how transparency is viewed globally, not as a voluntary exercise, but as core infrastructure for climate governance and financial decision-making.

In 2025, a total of 640 investors managing $127 trillion in assets asked companies to disclose through CDP. At the same time, more than 270 major buyers requested environmental data from nearly 45,000 suppliers via CDP’s supply chain program. This growing scrutiny signals that environmental disclosure has moved firmly into the mainstream, shaping how companies assess risk, resilience, and long-term value.

Broadening Environmental Reporting and Market Reach

More than 23,100 companies, cities, states, and regions disclosed environmental information through CDP in 2025. Over 22,100 companies, representing more than half of global market capitalization, submitted data, and nearly 20,000 received performance scores.

From this group, 877 companies earned a place on the 2025 Corporate A List, representing about 4 percent of those scored. Only 23 companies achieved the rare Triple A rating across climate change, forests, and water security, highlighting how difficult it remains to deliver strong performance across multiple environmental areas.

Read More: Understanding the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Scores, Climate & Sustainability

Regional trends are becoming clearer. Asia and Europe showed the strongest relative representation on the A List. Japan and Türkiye recorded a 12 percent A rate among scored companies, while Taiwan reached 8 percent. In Europe, France achieved a 12 percent A rate, followed by Portugal and Spain at 9 percent each. These results suggest that disclosure is gaining ground fastest in regions with mature industrial supply chains and established climate policy frameworks.

Clarity in Climate, Water, and Forest Management

Since 2023, A scores have increased across all three CDP pillars. Climate A scores rose from 346 to 751, water security scores from 101 to 263, and forests scores from 30 to 55. This growth reflects a broader understanding that climate and nature-related risks are closely linked and increasingly material to business performance.

Disclosure is also expanding beyond corporates. In 2025, more than 1,000 cities, states, and regions, representing over one billion people, reported through CDP. Of these, 122 received A scores. Participation remained steady despite fiscal pressures, showing that local governments are using disclosure to guide planning, infrastructure investment, and climate risk management.

Key Insights for Investors and Business Leaders

For companies, the message is clear: Investors now expect decision-ready environmental data. Disclosure is no longer viewed as optional, especially as supply chain transparency becomes a commercial requirement.

Commenting on the release, Sherry Madera said markets are sending “an unmistakable signal” that clear and consistent environmental data is indispensable for sound decision-making. She emphasized that disclosure is becoming a powerful driver of resilience, innovation, and investment.

Also Read: What does the Carbon Disclosure Project Do?

Worldwide Impact

CDP’s 2025 results show that transparency is becoming embedded in global business and policy systems. As mandatory reporting frameworks advance and investor expectations tighten, environmental disclosure is shifting from advocacy to administration, an essential part of how climate and nature risks are managed worldwide.

Follow more news and views via our Reporting & Standards and Featured Articles sections, and stay updated on the top ESG events to attend in 2026 for industry insights and networking.

If you're looking for suitable ESG and Sustainability providers to share customized solutions specific to your business needs, you can check out KnowESG's Solutions page.

If you are an ESG provider looking to get your organization listed on our portal, visit this page.

Source: ESG NEWS